News

SAJA, IFJ Hold Workshop on Climate Change Reporting

The Southern Africa Journalists Association (SAJA) in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and hosted by the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) held at two – day workshop on Climate Change Reporting from 3 – 4 November, in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the Union to Union Project (2014 -2016). The workshop which brought together 11 journalists from six countries in the region, namely Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, the Republic of South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe was aimed at building the capacities of journalists in the region to reporting more effectively on climate change issues.

In delivering the official opening address to the participants of the Workshop, the Acting Director of Rural Communications, Alois Chamboko, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Mushohwe, said that climate change is a reality which cannot be second guessed by anyone as its adverse effects are being experienced by everyone. “Our sub- region is currently suffering from the worst drought in over 35 years as a result of the El Nino phenomenon”. This therefore calls for urgent and comprehensive measures to be taken at all levels.

Journalists, he said, are a very important constituency in any country and to any society in general, because they are opinion drivers. “The role of journalists is not limited to pointing out the ills found in our societies, although that is important to ensure that corrective actions are taken”. Climate change reporting is not about criticizing governments for not doing enough to curb gas emissions. “Journalists should help everybody, including governments by explaining what the challenges are and how they can be resolved. He emphasized that journalists play a crucial role in combating climate change.

SAJA President, Michael Chideme, in his address of welcome to the participants, said that despite the challenges that confront the regional association, SAJA, is very much committed in mobilizing its members in the fight against climate change. He called on journalists and the media in the southern African region, to give more focus to climate change in their reports, while emphasizing that these reports must be made in the local languages, most especially on radio and television and must address the issues of adaptation and mitigation.

The representative of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) at the Workshop, Nathan Banda in his intervention at the opening ceremony, said that in recent years forests have been cleared in preparation for agriculture, for fencing and for use as firewood mainly for tobacco curing and brick making. “It therefore remains our responsibility as trade unions and journalists to alert the nations about the disadvantages of deforestation and how it contributes to global warming and climate change.

In a similar vein, the Senior Programme Office at the IFJ Africa Office Pa Louis Thomasi, said that the African media can no longer remain silent when it has become evident that the consequences of climate change will affect more adversely the poorer and vulnerable regions of the world. It is in the light of these challenges, he said, that the IFJ has taken the bold initiative to build the capacities of journalists across the continent to report more effectively on climate change. The African media and journalists in particular must be able to play a significant role in the fight against climate change.

The training was conducted by the Director of the UNESCO Office in Namibia, Dr. Jean Pierre Ilboudo, who took the participants through three different models in reporting climate change with particular emphasis on; Why climate change matters to every journalists and the media; Radio as the most important medium for reporting climate change in Africa; The seven things that every journalists should know about climate change and the Twelve Tips for writing good climate change stories.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is the world’s largest organisation of journalists. First established in 1926, it represents around 600,000 journalists in 179 unions and associations accross 140 countries worldwide

Zim Journalist shot in Lesotho

The editor of a newspaper in Lesotho is fighting for his life after being shot and critically injured at his home in the capital, Maseru, on 9 July.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the attempted assassination of Lesotho Times Editor, Lloyd Mutungamiri, who was shot at close range in the arm and jaw as he parked his car after returning from work last Saturday.

The shooting comes after the government of Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, had accused the paper of being too critical of it.

Prior to the shooting, Mutungamiri and another journalist from the Lesotho Times, Keiso Mohloboli, had been interrogated by security officers and forced to reveal their sources following the publication of a story which suggested that the Lesotho government was discussing a proposal for a R40-million pay-out for the powerful commander of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Tlali Kennedy Kamoli.

IFJ President Philippe Leruth said: “The shooting of journalists anywhere to silence them is a grave crime against humanity. The brutal shooting of Mutungamiri is a heinous act that is orchestrated by cowards with the sole intention of intimidating and silencing journalists and the media in general from reporting the truth.”

“Such inhumane acts are an affront to democracy and good governance and hence should be condemned in the strongest terms possible wherever it raises its ugly head. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to justice,” added Leruth.

Southern Africa Journalists Association President, Michael Chideme, said that journalists in the region are outraged and saddened by this dastardly act. He called on the authorities in Lesotho to speedily investigate this grim crime and punish the culprits accordingly.

The IFJ has backed widespread calls by the SAJA and civil society organisations on the Government of Lesotho to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting and to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are apprehended and tried in a competent court of law. ends.

Former ZUJ President Sibanda Dies

by Foster Dongozi-ZUJ Secretary General

It is with a very heavy heart and a deep sense of loss and sorrow that I have to announce the death of former Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, President, Cde Dumisani Sibanda.

A formidable trade unionist, a human and workers rights defender, Sibanda was very instrumental in inculcating the spirit of rights awareness among colleagues from his days as a student activist and during his time as a working journalist.
He was a gentle giant who was willing to assist, support and encourage young and up coming journalists.
Known for his ability to interact at all levels with student, junior and senior media personalities, the industry has lost a genial and ever jovial colleague who always emphasized the need for ethical and professional journalism.
May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

Photojournalist launches art exhibition

By Sthandwa Ncube-Tigere

Photojournalist and ZUJ member, Darius Mutamba today launched a picture and art exhibition at the KooVah Gallery in Harare.
Mutamba is the son of prominent journalist Shepherd.

ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi said, “We are excited that photographers working in visuals are now showcasing their work in the form of exhibitions.Last month the Union ran an exhibition for photographers around the country and we are happy that Darius has taken up the challenge to exhibit his work.”

Following the ZUJ exhibition a locally based embassy and a theatre organization have expressed interest in supporting future visuals exhibitions by the Union.ends.

ZUJ to receive first block of residential plot

By Sthandwa Ncube-Tigere

Members of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, are expected to start receiving residential plots which were promised to the Union by Local Government and National Housing Minister, Saviour Kasukuwere in October 2015 during the National Journalism and Media Awards, NJAMA, gala dinner

Residential stands will not be free but will be accessible at affordable rates.

The revelations were made by Minister Kasukuwere on May 12 when he spoke to a delegation from the Union during a meeting held at his Makombe Buildings offices.

“We will release the residential stands in batches and we have about 40 which are ready to be handed to journalists. This will be done nationally because ZUJ indicated that it has members around the country. Ensuring that journalists like other Zimbabweans get access to affordable and descent housing is part of my mandate,” the minister said.

ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi and Treasurer, Evince Mugumbate attended the meeting with Kasukuwere who was flanked by an official from the ministry.

Already, the ministry has pledged a residential stand which will be won by a journalist who excels on reporting local government issues during the National Journalism and Media Awards, NJAMA.

ZUJ Secretary General Foster Dongozi told Kasukuwere that in total they would require close to a thousand residential stands to cater for its membership around the country.

“Addressing housing concerns for journalists is one way of enhancing ethical and professional journalism as it will make journalists independent. The Union is also hopping to use the opportunity to acquire a piece of land on which to build offices and recreational facilities in order to reduce operational costs.”

The Union’s leadership also took the opportunity to thank the minister for supporting the ZUJ campaign for safety of journalists.

ZUJ and SJU sign MOU

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, and the Sudanese Journalists Union, SJU, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to ensure cooperation between the two unions. The MoU was signed in Khartoum on Thursday evening with ZUJ President, Michael Chideme signing on behalf of the Union’s members while the President of SJU Alsadig Ibrahim Ahmed signed on behalf of the East Africans.

The MoU lists the following as the objectives of the partnership:
1. Facilitate the strengthening of relations and solidarity between journalists in Zimbabwe and Sudan.
2. Facilitate exchange programmes that would cover visits, industrial placements, fellowships, tourism and cultural exchanges.
3. Facilitate trade union development and local resource mobilization.
4. Facilitate development of gender policies and programmes in the two Unions.
5. Facilitate information exchange.
6. Facilitate understanding on the Media, Christianity and Islam.
7. Facilitate debate on issues pertaining to Climate Change and its effects on the two countries.
8. Facilitate development of excellence in journalism.
9. Facilitate growth and understanding between the people of Sudan and Zimbabwe through the media

ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi said other than signing the MoU, President Chideme was part of a team of international journalists that observed the Darfur Region referendum.
“We are particularly excited by the partnership with the Sudanese Union as it will provide a platform and an opportunity for journalists in the two countries to engage and develop their industry. We would like to also acknowledge the critical role played by the Sudanese Embassy in Harare for making the trip a reality,” said the Secretary General.ENDS.

Zimbabwe Union of Journalists Delegation Visits Sudan Vision

Khartoum – A delegation of Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has visited Sudan Vision Daily Newspaper during their visit to Sudan to observe the 3 days referendum on Darfur administrative status which started yesterday. The president of ZUJ Michael Chideme was accompanied two members of the delegation were briefed on Darfur referendum by the Editor-in-Chief Muawad Mustafa Rashid. “The idea of referendum has no relation with self-determination, it differs from South Sudan referendum in which Southerners voted for secession or unity, while Darfur referendum is just to determine the administrative status of the region whether to be one state or five”, explained the Editor-in-Chief who went on to say that western media always brings confusing news concerning Sudan. He also acquainted them on the security situation in Darfur pointed to recent five days visit of the President of the Republic Omer Al Bashir which refuted the US allegation of insecurity. Muawad has initiated an idea to sign a memo of understanding between Sudan Vision and ZUJ to exchange information and experiences. On his part, the president of ZUJ has affirmed that Sudan is secure and safe saying “Obviously my conception has been changed as they informed us that Sudan is a country of war, hunger and conflicts, but what I have seen on the ground is totally different”. He highlighted on the media status in Zimbabwe and the co-existence among communities, pointing out that Muslims have full rights to express ideas and to spread teachings. The delegation will visit Darfur today to observe referendum then they will come back to Khartoum to sign an agreement with Sudanese Union of Journalists.

Call for vernacular language training

by Sthandwa Ncube

Journalist who broadcast in vernacular language have called on the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) to provide training courses for vernacular broadcasters. This emerged at meeting organised by ZUJ with its members, StarFM. Some of the members felt availing training courses would improve the professionalism and quality of broadcasting. Some of the issues discussed included welfare of journalists, safety, security and inputs into the National Journalism and Media Awards (NJAMA). Meanwhile Broadcaster Godfrey Koti was today elected to lead ZUJ Star FM Branch in Harare as chairperson. The branch executive includes Yvonne Mangunda who was elected secretary of the brand while Sibonginkosi Hove was elected Treasure. George Msumba and Siphathisiwe Mpofu were elected positions of Committee members.ends.

Journalists set to get stands

Journalists in both the public and private media will soon secure residential stands under a Government programme targeted at improving their welfare, Secretary for Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Mr George Charamba told Zimbabwe Union of Journalists representatives at a meeting in Harare recently.
The ministry has since approached the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing over the matter.
Mr Charamba then told The Sunday Mail: “We had a meeting with Zuj where a number of issues were raised; issues to do with the National Journalistic and Media Awards, the Information Media Panel of Inquiry Report and journalists’ welfare, relating to making a case for affordable residential stands for our newsmen.
“On welfare, we have a lot of land that is being turned into residential areas, and we would like media personnel to benefit from such initiatives. As a ministry, we are making a case with our counterpart ministry so that we can have affordable residential stands for journalists, Charamba said.
Under this programme, we are looking at benefiting journalists across the country. We want journalists from all media houses, and not just those in Harare, to benefit from the initiative.”
Zuj secretary-general Foster Dongozi added: “It is a scheme that will benefit journalists, but not for free, of course.” Published by The Herald 08-02-16.

Security sector, media seek common ground

Government is crafting a strategy to manage relations between media and the security sector following run-ins between the two establishments.
It also wants journalists to reduce conflict through professional and ethical conduct.
For some time, authorities have complained about publication of inaccurate and/or sensitive national security information, variably issuing warnings to the predominant culprit: the private Press.
In January 2016, Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Christopher Mushohwe warned against snooping on the highly sensitive sector after NewsDay claimed Government had secretly given bonuses to Central Intelligence Organisation operatives.
Information Secretary Mr George Charamba added that culprits would be brought to book.
Now the ministry has engaged the security sector to help smooth relations via dialogue. Preliminary work began two weeks ago when Mr Charamba met Zimbabwe Union of Journalists representatives in Harare to discuss these matters as well as the Information Media Panel of Inquiry report.
Mr Charamba told The Sunday Mail, “In respect of security, we agreed that it is stemming from a few key areas: the lapse of professional conduct in newsrooms; the absence of a code of ethics; and the lack of sustainable communication between journalists and the various players including our security structure.
“I suggested to ZUJ that the issue of professional conduct will be addressed through rules and institutions coming from the Impi report. Such issues will be addressed in the context of what was raised by the panel.”
He went on, “I indicated that we will hold a series of meetings with sister ministries within the security organs to straighten out how they relate to media.
“These meetings will be held at the level of us, civil servants, as well as ministerial level. We will then have interactions at the level of the media and security command so that there is mutual understanding…
“There are really small areas of misunderstanding that if left unattended, might blow out of proportion. These meetings will include Zuj, editors and proprietors so that there is understanding of the role of the newsman in running the affairs of the State.
“This, I believe, will be easy because most of our ministries already have public relations departments — which shows awareness on the part of our security establishment to the role of the media.
“However, one thing is clear in any country in the world; that the security establishment is a very sensitive area — which is the reason why our Constitution qualifies media freedom. Our Constitution recognises this and establishes it as a basis for derogating against media rights.”
Mr Charamba also said, “There is no interest which is national to be got by pecking on the sensitive security structures of the State.
“If you are really in pursuit of national interest that cannot be realised by undermining the security structures of the State. To say so does not suggest that media should not report on errant behaviour by personnel within the structure.”
ZUJ secretary-general Foster Dongozi was pleased with the meeting’s outcome.
“The Ministry of Media, Information, and Broadcasting Services is our parent ministry and plays a critical role in the safety of journalists and improving their working conditions.
“We do not want to be friends with the Government, neither should they befriend us. We want a professional relationship where Stone Age tactics of beating journalists on their heads are not used when there is a simple issue like an error.
“A lot of people make mistakes in their area of work, but hardly get arrested for the errors they make. The Permanent Secretary was very receptive of our agenda and agreed that the safety of journalists was crucial to their working without fear or threats.”

Welfare of journalists

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) today met the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services at his Munhumutapa Offices. The ZUJ delegation was led by President- Michael Chideme, Secretary General- Foster Dongozi, Treasurer- Evince Mugumbate and some members of the Secretariat.The Ministry’s Principle Director in the Media Mr Regis Chikowore was also present.Issues that came up for discussion included the safety and security of journalists, implementation of IMPI recommendations, the welfare of journalists and failure by newly licensed radio stations to broadcast.

ZUJ appoint first Vice President

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, National Executive which met in Gweru on Friday has appointed one of its executive committee members, Godfrey Mtimba to the position of First Vice President.

Mtimba who is based in Masvingo replaced Mkhululi Sibanda who has since been appointed Assistant Editor of The Sunday News in Bulawayo.

According to the ZUJ Constitution, Editors, Deputy Editors and Assistant Editors can not hold positions within the Union’s structures.

This means ZUJ President Michael Chideme will be deputised by Mtimba the First Vice President and the current Second Vice President, Emmanuel Mavata who is based in the Mashonaland West town of Kadoma.

Mtimba, who was deployed by ZUJ to the ZCTU to represent young workers, is currently the ZCTU Secretary General for Young Workers’ Council and an Executive Committee Member of the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, Youth Executive.

ITUC Youth Executive is the global body that represents young workers around the world and last held its congress in Berlin, Germany, two years ago.

ZUJ Secretary General Foster Dongozi, who is an Executive Committee Member of the Federation of African Journalists, FAJ, and Advisor to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said he hoped Mtimba’s elevation would contribute to the development of a culture of trade union development in the Union.

“We have President Chideme who is the President of the Southern Africa Journalists Association, SAJA, and now Cde Mtimba bringing his vast knowledge and experience from a young workers’ perspective and this we hope will contribute to maintaining ZUJ as one of the strongest media trade unions in Africa,” said Dongozi.

Alert!!!

ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi, spoke at a meeting for freelance Journalists to discuss the safety and security of Journalists in the face of increasing threats, in Zimbabwe.

He spoke about the launch of the Press Jacket and a Cap and the need for Journalists to continue to be ethical and professional in their work.

The Secretary General distributed copies of a safety manual for Journalists.
He said knowledge of laws governing the operations of Journalism and safety online was crucial for Journalists.

Njama 2014-2015 winners

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists’ President, National Executive and the Secretariat would like to congratulate this year’s winners of National Journalism and Media Awards (NJAMA). Below is the full list of the winners.

Nyaradzo Group Environment Journalist of the year- Kenneth Matimaire
ICT Reporter of the Year sponsored by NetOne –Paul Nyakazeya
Child Reporting on Children Issues sponsored by UNICEF –Anashe Murombedzi
Gender Based Reporter of the Year sponsored by UNFPA- Jairos Saunyama
Maternal Health Reporter of the year sponsored by UNFPA – Thandeka Moyo
Business and Financial Reporter of the Year sponsored by Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited – Tarisai Mandizha
Cancer Awareness Reporter of the Year sponsored by Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ)- Phyllis Mbanje
Sports Reporter of the Year sponsored by FBC Bank- Farai Machamire
Nutrition, Health and Wellness Reporter of the Year sponsored by Nestle Zimbabwe Limited –Praise Matinhure
Agriculture Reporter of the Year Co-sponsored by First Mutual Wealth Management and SeedCo- Jeffrey Moyo
Child Rights Reporter of the Year sponsored by UNICEF – Sukulwenkosi Dube
Child Rights Coalition-Reporter on Children Welfare(Print) – Phyllis Mbanje
Child Rights Coalition- Reporter of Children Welfare (Electronic) – Buttler Nhepure
Energy Reporter of the Year sponsored by ZESA Holding Private Limited –Gibson Mhaka
Mining Reporter of the Year sponsored by ZIMPLATS – Obey Manayiti
Photographer/Videographer/Visuals of the Year Co-Sponsored by Multichoice Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ)- Shepard Tozvireva
Legal and Parliamentary Reporter of the Year Sponsored by Matsikidze and Mucheche Legal Practitioners –Andrew Kunambura
Delta Arts and Entertainment Journalist of the Year – Problem Masau
Delta News Journalist of the Year – Jairos Saunyama

All Set for NJAMA

The National Journalism and Media Awards, NJAMA, dinner gala is the place to be on Thursday night as journalists, politicians, captains of industry and celebrities will mingle during the glamorous event.

Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, Secretary General, Foster Dongozi said all was set for the event which is designed to honor and reward excelling journalists in Zimbabwe.

“Popular musician, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave and ZiFM Stereo’s Candice Mwakalyelye will headline the dinner gala as the two co directors of ceremonies while popular comedian, Clive Chigubhu from Bulawayo will provide entertainment.”

Journalists will be rewarded in 19 categories, said Dongozi.
This year’s awards are running under the theme: “A professionally empowered media workforce,” and will have Local Government , Public Works and National Housing Minister, Saviour Kasukuwere as guest of honour.
The Secretary General said the gala dinner was ready to roar into life with adjudication having started in Nyanga over the weekend.
“Service providers have started assembling their tools of trade to ensure that they produce a glamorous, glitzy, jaw dropping spectacle designed to dazzle those who will be privileged to be part of the show.”

TELECEL and ZUJ partner to improve media coverage of ICTs

by ZUJ Staff

TELECEL ZIMBABWE (PVT) LTD and The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) have entered into a partnership which will seek to strengthenjournalists’ capacity and understanding of business and Information Communication Technology (ICT) issues.

Under the training partnership, supported by TELECEL ZIMBABWE, with US$25 000, ICTs, business and financial experts will train journalists around the country on reporting on the subjects.
Some of the objectives of the partnerships include building the capacity of journalists in reporting ICTs and business and to raise awareness amongst citizens on the importance of ICTs through increased in-depth coverage.

The partnership will have a social responsibility component conducted by the training participants and TELECEL ZIMBABWE in areas where coaching will be done.

The training programs will be conducted for journalists in Mashonaland West, Masvingo, Bulawayo and the Midlands provinces in the last quarter of 2015.

TELECEL ZIMBABWE has, in the past supported, ICTs training workshops in other provinces including Harare, Manicaland and Mashonaland East.

ZUJ Secretary General Foster Dongozi commended TELECEL ZIMBABWE for contributing towards the dissemination of quality information and supporting corporate social responsibility by journalists. He said by providing an opportunity for journalists to specialise in thematic areas of coverage such as ICTs and Business, the company was ensuring that the media remained “informed, knowledgeable and relevant in today’s intricately complex environment”.

Added Dongozi: “Such knowledge would improve the reporting capabilities on the sectors which would go a long way in contributing to the development of our economy.”

TELECEL ZIMBABWE PR, CSR and Sponsorship Manager, Francis Chimanda, shared the same sentiment, saying effective media engagements by the business sector were essential in improving communities and their appreciation of critical issues affecting their lives.

Said Chimanda: “This is not the first time that ZUJ and TELECEL ZIMBABWE have partnered in promoting professional journalism in the country. In the past, the two organisations have joined hands and held several workshops aimed at building a better equipped media with improved working knowledge of ICTs.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, TELECEL ZIMBABWE Chief Executive Officer, Angeline Vere, praised her organisation’s partnership with ZUJ, saying TELECEL ZIMBBWE has also been “active supporters of the ZUJ Njama (NationalJournalism and Media Awards) ceremony”.
Said Vere: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank ZUJ and the media particularly those who cover our sector, ICTs, for their work which helps shed light and tell the story of our exciting, competitive and often complex industry. Without you, the media, it would be nearly impossible for us to get people to appreciate the ICT industry, its products and the services we offer.”
ends
“Telecel for its part will continue to remain open to the media and try to provide factual information that is of interest and value to your audiences while at the same time ensuring that the true position is represented in reports about the company and the media, she said.

Zuj invites Njama entries

By Tatenda Gapare Sunday News Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Union of Journalists has invited entries from journalists for this year’s National Journalism and Media Awards which will be held in Harare on 15 October. In a statement on Friday, ZUJ said the deadline for submitting the entries is 9 October. The awards will be held under the theme: “A professionally empowered media workforce.” Local Government, Housing and Urban Development Minister Cde Saviour Kasukuwere will be guest of honour.
ZUJ said three articles were supposed to be submitted for each category.
“The limit can only be waived if the articles are part of a series of stories in a campaign or investigation. Articles to be submitted should be from March 2014 to March 2015,” said ZUJ.
The categories which are being contested for are Nyaradzo Group Environment Journalist of the Year, Delta Arts and Entertainment Journalist of the Year, News Reporter of the Year, Maternal Health Reporter of the Year, Gender Based Violence Reporter of the Year, Sports Reporter of the Year, Mining Reporter of the Year, Child rights Reporter of the Year, ICT Reporter of the Year, Energy Reporter of the Year, Business and Financial Reporter of the Year, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Reporter of the Year, Cancer Awareness Reporter of the Year, Legal and Parliamentary Reporter of the Year, Child Rights Coalition — Reporter on Children Welfare (electronic), Child Rights Coalition — Reporter on Children Welfare (print), Child Reporting Children Issues, Agriculture Reporter of the Year, Photographer/videographer/visuals of the year.
For electronic media, reporters and producers are required to present three articles on DVD format for each category.

Alert
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) President Cde George Nkiwane and the Secretary General Cde Japhet Moyo yesterday paid a courtesy call on Zimbabwe Union of Journalists Secretary General Foster Dongozi at the Union’s offices in New Milton Park.

Cde Nkiwane said the visit was to gain an appreciation of the Union’s operations and to provide solidarity following the loss of jobs by scores of journalists.

After visiting the ZUJ offices the ZCTU leadership in the company of the Secretary General visited ZUJ members who were undergoing a Safety and Gender Equity Training Workshop in Harare.

ZUJ to hold Safety Training Workshop for female Journalists

by Leonorah Ncube, Information Desk

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) will hold two Safety Training Workshops for its female members based in Bulawayo and Harare, Secretary General, Foster Dongozi has said. He said although the main beneficiaries were the female members, and some male members would be invited to ensure that issues of safety benefitted as many members as possible.
In an interview with the Union’s information department, Dongozi said in Harare the workshop would take place on the 14th and 15th of September 2015 at a local hotel.
The Bulawayo leg of the Safety Training workshop had been slated for the 17th and 18th of September 2015.
The Secretary General said: “We value the safety and security of all our members, especially female journalists. We have held successful campaigns against sexual harassment in the past and now we are moving towards how female members can be safe while doing their work.”
Dongozi said a significant number of photographers and other journalists working on visuals such as videographers had been attacked while doing their work and the safety training would focus on how they could avoid or minimize exposing themselves to danger.
Senior journalists from around the country are expected to participate in the exercise which is expected to lay the foundation for a mentorship and training of trainers on Safety.

Safety of Journalists discussed

by Leonorah Ncube, Information Desk

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, has met the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services on the working conditions of journalists and media workers, particularly their safety and protection.
ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi, made a presentation in Nyanga before Members of Parliament (MPs) who are in the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee.
The meeting comes after the Union recently engaged the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Information, George Charamba, on the working conditions of journalists and their safety.
In his address to Members of Parliament, Dongozi said some of the issues affecting the safety of journalists which also compromised their professionalism included poor salaries, inadequate resources and the poor state of the economy.
“We also need to realize that in addition to sexual harassment, journalists, particularly female photographers and videographers in the country have been attacked while covering demonstrations.”

The ZUJ Secretary General also noted that the absence of a National Employment Council (NEC) for journalists and media workers had worsened the situation and left the journalists even more vulnerable and urged employers to support the initiative.

Members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee are drawn from the two main political parties, Zanu PF and MDC.

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) Secretary General Foster Dongozi, has urged journalists to take up cancer reporting seriously.
He said this while addressing journalists and Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ) staff in a signing ceremony today at Warren Hills Golf Club in Harare today.
Dongozi urged the journalists to research on the topic in order to communicate cancer issues effectively.
“For one to communicate effectively there is need to read widely and not wildly about the subject they are writing about” said Dongozi.
He said journalists should be responsible and informed in their reportage of cancer.

INVITATION TO A SIGNING CEREMONY Leonorah Ncube, Information Desk

Dear Members
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) and the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ) would like to invite you to the official unveiling of the sponsorship package for the Journalist of the Year Award for Cancer Awareness and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between ZUJ and RPAZ.
Date: Friday 21st of august 2015
Time: 1200hrs – 1400hrs
Venue: Warren Hills Golf Club

INVITATION TO A PUBLIC DISCUSSION

Leonorah Ncube, Information Desk

Dear All,
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) kindly invites you to attend a discussion on the Topic: Government’s perception on sustainable way forward for workers and employers after the Supreme Court ruling.
Speaking at the Forum will be a representative from the Ministry of Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare, Japhet Moyo Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Secretary General, Munyaradzi Gwisai ISO (Lawyer), Obert Gutu- MDC, Spokesperson, a ZANU PF representative and Kennias Shamuyarira- Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions.
This discussion will be held on Thursday the 30th of July at New Ambassador Hotel, Quill Club at 1500hrs.
The discussion platform follows the Don Nyamande and Kingstone versus Zuva Petroleum ruling made by the Supreme Court on 17 July 2015 which gave the power to employers to terminate workers contracts on notice.
Your participation will be greatly appreciated.
Kindly acknowledge receipt of this email and confirm your attendance.

Regards,

Foster Dongozi
SECRETARY GENERAL

ZUJ Convenes Supreme Court Ruling Indaba

By Foster Dongozi, Secretary General

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, is deeply concerned by developments in which several journalists and media workers have lost their jobs following the unpopular 17 July Supreme Court ruling which allowed employers to terminate contracts on notice.
So far, The Daily News has dismissed 15 media workers, 11 of them journalists, while Alpha Media Holdings, AMH is reported to have fired 21 media workers, five of them journalists. The Union would like to urge employers to consider the plight of workers while we go through this difficult period.
In line with the Union’s mandate to represent its members on their labour rights and working conditions, ZUJ will this Thursday, 30 July, convene a workers’ indaba at The Ambassador Hotel, The Quill Club to try and unpack the Supreme Court ruling and the way forward.
Organisations and individuals to speak will include, ZCTU, ZFTU, Munyaradzi Gwisai, Professor Lovemore Madhuku and representatives of Government and political parties.
In Solidarity,
Foster Dongozi
SECRETARY GENERAL

Congratulatory message!!!

by Leonorah Ncube, Information Desk
ZUJ, would like to congratulate Shame Makoshori, The Fingaz ’s Senior Business Reporter and Tendai Mbirimi of Zim Travel after emerging as the joint winners of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Best Media Award. They were each presented with trophies and US$3 000. Congratulations makorokoto!!!

ZUJ Condemns attack on journalists

Chipo Majuta, Information Desk The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has condemned the harassment of Journalists Philemon Jambaya and Edgar Gweshe by unidentified council officials during a Chitungwiza Municipality meeting yesterday.Jambaya reportedly …

ZUJ Launches book

The Zimbabwe Union has launched a book titled “The back story” in Harare at the Book cafe as part of commemorating World Press Freedom Day. The “Back Story” is the work of Zimbabwean Journalists and the initiative of the book was conceived out of…

Dear All, The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) would like to invite journalists to a media labor clinic to be held at the Union’s office in Harare, this Friday 24 April 2015 (12pm – 2pm). This meeting will seek to address emerging industrial issues…

ZUJ to observe Sudanese Elections
Chipo Majuta, Information Desk Zimbabwe Union of Journalists is pleased to announce that the Secretary General, Foster Dongozi has been nominated as a Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) observer in the observation process for the forthcoming gen…

The late Daiton Somanje The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, (ZUJ) would like to express its concerns over the attack of journalists by the Somanje family on Wednesday 8th of April 2015. Relatives and friends of the lat…

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About ZUJ

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) is a media trade union that seeks to protect and promote the rights of journalists as media workers. ZUJ has a membership of 750 journalists all drawn from the local print and electronic media organization. The Union... Readmore